Food Hunting

WFYI’s Sixth Annual Indy Wine Fest

A couple of weeks ago, I had the unique pleasure of attending WFYI’s Sixth Annual Indy Wine Fest at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. Along with a couple hundred people, I was offered samples of nearly 400 wines. Even I am not capable of trying that many wines, but I was able to try a great many of them.

As I went along, I asked questions, took notes and even went back for seconds so that I would be able to share with you some of my favorites of the night. There were so many wonderful wines; it was hard to narrow it down. Like the 2002, Brancaia “IL Blu” for $69.95, or the 2002, Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape for $36.95. Both are wonderful wines, and both are very pricey.

Therefore, I offer you my “Top 10 under $20.” I hope you find a few you enjoy!

2002, Vinum Africa Cabernet Sauvignon, $13.95
Stellenbosch, South Africa

This rich, spicy wine is smooth on the palate, with scents of cherry and mocha. They age this wine in oak, which adds a subtle earthy flavor. Vinum combines the techniques of the “old world” with the new to create a unique blend of spice and fruit. Perfect with any red meat or pasta dish, this wine is a steal at its price.

2003, Red Knot Shiraz, $13.95
McLaren Vale, Australia

Red Knot offers the taste buds an intense, leathery wine in the form of their 2003 Shiraz. This robust wine is full of fruit and spice with hints of herbs, chocolate and oak while it smells of blackberries and toasted oak. The finish is a bit intense, but this is the perfect wine to enjoy on a cold night.

Bradgate Chenin Blanc/Sauvignon Blanc, $8.95
Stellenbosch, South Africa

By combining the citrus of Sauvignon Blac with the richness of Chenin Blac, Bradgate has created a delightfully fresh everyday wine. The balance of flavors between these varietals is perfect – the intense grassy Sauvignon and the tropical Chenin. This wine has strong scents of pear and fig, and is crisp and elegant. Perfect with grilled chicken and fish, this wine is one to enjoy.

2003, Montes Cabernet Sauvignon, $11.95
Colchagua Valley, Chile

This full-bodied Cabernet is bold, rich and beaming with tannins. It blends currants and cherries, with hints of vanilla, oak and caramel. It is aged for 6 months in American oak barrels, which adds even more complexity to the already deep flavor. Montes created a rich and engaging wine that is well balanced with firm tannins and smooth spice.

2003, Cline “Red Truck” White, $9.95
Sonoma, California

Cline Vineyards has created a delicious blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Marsanne and Rousanne. The result is a clean, refreshing and flavorful wine. The citrus flavors help add a delicate and bright flavor, highlighted with crisp green apple and fig. This wine is easily paired with almost any dish because of its variety of flavors and scents. For less than $10.00 a bottle, this wine is a must have in the cellar.

2003, Pepperwood Grove Viognier, $8.95
Sonoma, California

Viognier is typically considered a sweet wine, but if made correctly, it is actually clean, crisp and aromatic. Pepperwood has made such a wine, adding hints of peach, clove and passion fruit. It is lively and smooth, but slightly acidic. This is the ideal wine to enjoy on a hot summer day, or to pair with salads and fruit.

2002, Los Vascos Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, $17.95
Colchagua Valley, Chile

This supple, earthy wine is truly a classic. A strong presence of cedar and red currant flavors create this rich, full-bodied and spicy wine. This is an extremely heavy wine, full of cherry and currant, while it leaves a velvety feeling on the tongue. Although this bottle is priced around $20.00, it tastes like it should cost around $50.00.

2003, Red Bicyclette Syrah, $8.95
Vin de Pays, France

This label is a new addition to the United States, only arriving from France in the past year. It is true to its varietals, offering layers of succulent fruit flavors. A smooth, heacy and spicy red wine, with traces of jam and cassis, this wine is absolutely enchanting. At less than $9.00 a bottle, who can resist?

2002, Mason Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley, $16.95
Napa Valley, California

Sauvignon Blanc is rapidly becoming the new Chardonnay in the United States. Mason has created a nice medium between the two. Offering the intense apple and grapefruit that Sauvignon Blanc is known for, this wine adds the sweetness of fruit and oak which is more commonly associated with Chardonnay. The acidity is kept to a minimum, but the crispness isn’t sacrificed in that effort. It is perfect with spicy foods or to just enjoy on its own.

2002 Concha Y Toro Marques de Casa Cabernet, $14.95
Maipo Valley, Chile

This Cabernet has an intense bouquet of cherry, chocolate, tar and smoke, but still maintains a smooth, silky texture. It is very full-bodied and concentrated and has a long finish. Aged in French Oak, this wine is exactly what we have come to expect from Chilean wines – bold, intense and spicy. The other varietals from Concha y Toro are worth looking at as well.

As printed in The Sagamore.

posted by Cassandra Vires at 8:48 PM